Tuesday, 10 January 2017

Punjab men lose another game, while Kerala women on win streak


Puducherry, 9th January 2017: On the morning of Day 3 of the 67th Senior National Basketball Championship, the Indian Railways men looked like a cohesive unit in their win against Chhattisgarh. Led by the scoring of 2016 NBA D-League draftee Palpreet Singh (30 points), the Railways dominated the second half to close out on a 64-53 win. The Karnataka men continued their good run with a thrilling win against Haryana today. Anil Kumar top scored again for Karnataka with 26 points as his team held on to a slim lead and clinched another win (76-73).
The Railways women matched the performance of their male counterparts with a solid team effort against Chhattisgarh. Depsite Poonam’s 42 points, Railways balanced scoring helped them tip Chhattisgarh in a match that was decided in the final minute. Clutch freethrows knocked down by Railways’ Sitamani Tudu secured a 71-68 win for her team. The Kerala girls registered another easy win today blowing out the Delhi team 80 to 44. Kerala and India team star Jeena PS put up 22 points.
In the Level 2 men’s games, Chandigarh and Delhi registered wins against Sikkim and Goa respectively, while Telangana won another game today morning, this time against Bihar (65-39).
Later in the day, the Telangana women’s team, who surprised everyone by reaching the semi-finals last year, proved too strong for Punjab. After racing to a double-digit lead in the first half, Telangana cruised the rest of the game to reach a 71-43 win.  The Madhya Pradesh women inched closer to moving to Level 1 by winning another game today beating Himachal Pradesh 47-27.
Punjab men’s slip from form was tough to watch as they suffered a 2-game skid losing their match against Kerala today. Akhil top scored for Kerala with 29 points as they pulled away late to clinch a 88-77 victory. There was some cheer for the home crowd today as the Puducherry men beat Himachal Pradesh 68 to 47, led by Achuthan’s 18 points.

Results from 9th January 2017 up to 7.30 pm

WOMEN
Level 1:
Group A:
  1. Indian Railways (Madhu 20, Sitamani Tudu 14, R. Rajapriyadharshini 14, Anitha Paul-Durai 11) bt Chhattisgarh (Poonam Chaturvedi 42, Sharanjeet Kaur 17) 71-68 (15-14, 26-17, 17-19, 13-18)
  2. Telangana (Trittymol Joseph 16, Gayathri 15, Ramya 14, Aishwarya Nataraj 9) bt Punjab (Nagma Mirza 14, Gauri 9) 71-43 (20-10, 20-10, 24-23, 7-0)
Group B:
  1. Kerala (Jeena PS 22, Anjana PG 12, Rojamol 11) bt Delhi (Raspreet Sidhu 29) 80-44 (22-18, 25-3, 15-11, 18-12)
  2. Tamil Nadu (KK Sruti 15, K. Prithi 13, S. Srividhya 12) bt West Bengal (Neha Singh 5) 74-23 (21-3, 16-10, 17-4, 20-6)
Level 2:
Group C:
  1. Haryana (Alisha 17, Anju 14, Antim 13) bt Uttarakhand (Rida Fatima 5) 47-10(12-3, 5-2, 13-3, 17-2)
Group D:
  1. Madhya Pradesh (Nima Doma 17, Rimpi Huda 8) bt Himachal Pradesh (Jyotika 15) 47-27 (12-8, 9-6, 12-10, 14-3)
  2. Uttar Pradesh (Vaishnavi 16, Harshita 10, Kavya 10) bt Goa (Charmaine 5) 49-8 (19-9, 14-2, 3-6, 13-0)
MEN
Level 1:
Group A:
  1. Karnataka (Anil Kumar 26, Rajesh Uppar 14, Naveen 13, Arvind Arumugam 12) bt Haryana (Pardeep 24, Vikas Mor 16, Naveen 15) 76-73 (23-21, 13-11, 23-24, 17-17)
  2. Kerala (Akhil AR 29, Albin Baby 20)bt Punjab (Gurvinder Singh 22, Arshpreet Singh 19, Talwinder Singh 16) 88-77 [15-18, 24-18, 25-21, 24-20]

Group B:
  1. Indian Railways (Palpreet Singh 30) bt Chhattisgarh (Rudraks M 22, Amit Rai 9) 64-53 (14-9, 8-17, 25-14, 17-13)
Level 2:
Group C:
  1. Chandigarh (Sahil S 13, Amit Bishla 12, Jungsher 10, Karandeep Singh 10) bt Sikkim (Abhishek 10) 77-18 (21-6, 21-7, 15-1, 20-4)
  2. Telangana (Nikhil Sai Kumar 17, A. Muthukumar 15, Chris Viresh 13) bt Bihar (Sanjeev Kumar 12, Manvendra 12, Vishnu Kumar 8) 65-39 (16-19, 15-7, 12-8, 22-5)
  3. Delhi (Sachin Sharma 14, Himanshu Sharma 10) bt Goa (Dillano Marchon 10) 63-31 (19-8, 13-7, 19-16, 12-0)
  4. Rajasthan (Vinod Kumar 22, Sharad 16, Saurabh 12) bt Sikkim (Gaurav Tyagi 10) 82-27 (27-6, 19-7, 26-5, 10-9)
Group D:
  1. Himachal Pradesh (Sushant 18, Aman 10) bt Tripura (Ratandeep Singh 14, Sahil 12) 56-34 (18-8, 13-6, 11-8, 14-12)
  2. Bihar (Sanjeev Kumar 30, Vishnu Kumar 16) bt Tripura (Pradeep 8, Abhi 6) 70-31 (22-7, 18-10, 17-10, 13-4)
  3. Puducherry (Achuthan 18, Vinod 13, Hari 12) bt Himachal Pradesh (Anubhav 12, Aman 9) 68-47 (18-14, 15-11, 14-12, 21-10)
Group E:
  1. Odisha (Sheikh Aftab 23, RK Sahu 15) bt Arunachal Pradesh (Himanshu 14) 63-33 (12-2, 13-11, 12-9, 26-11)
  2. Jammu and Kashmir (Ranbir 20, Shubham Bhardwaj 20) bt Uttar Pradesh (Lalit 15, Aman 13, Bhagyansh Gulati 11) 68-59 (16-11, 15-19, 17-16, 20-13)
Group F:
  1. Madhya Pradesh (Shubham 20, Harsh 17) bt West Bengal (Manpreet Singh 13, Arka Shah 10) 68-47 (19-15, 8-13, 23-12, 18-7)
  2. Andhra Pradesh (S. Mahesh 15, G. Ganesh 13, GV Reddy 11) bt Jharkhand (RA Jojo 17, S. Singh 12) 74-48 (22-13, 14-17, 21-11, 17-7)

Pending result from 8th January 2017

MEN
Level 2:
Group F:
  1. Madhya Pradesh (Harendra Tomar 16, Shubham 12, Jasveer 10) bt Jharkhand (Rohit Jojo 11) 63-27 (21-6, 16-9, 17-5, 9-7)

About the 67th Senior National Basketball Championship 2017

The championship is being held 7th to 14th January. 27 men’s teams and 25 women’s teams have confirmed their participation.
The championship is being organised by the Puducherry Basketball Association under the aegis of the Basketball Federation of India.
Matches are being simultaneously held on four different courts: the indoor and outdoor courts of the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium complex (Courts 1 & 2), and the two courts at the Petit Seminare School.
Defending champions Railways women will be the team to watch out for as it rekindles its rivalry with previous winners Chhattisgarh. In the men’s section, traditional powerhouses Services, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu will be vying for top honours.
29 international players from across the country will be adding their experience to the fray.

Relevant Links for further information

About Basketball Federation of India

The Basketball Federation of India or BFI is the governing and controlling body of basketball in India, and is responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels. BFI has been involved in conducting camps, clinics, events, and training sessions at its academies for the development of basketball. BFI came into being in 1935 and took complete control over Indian basketball in 1950. Prior to that time, the Indian Olympic Association handled the conduct of Indian basketball championships. Since 1950, the BFI has been conducting various such championships, from the grassroots to senior team participation in international tournaments. In addition, the BFI has been responsible for the establishment of strong sub-junior and junior level programs. The BFI has to its credit produced several international players of repute, among them 17 have been bestowed with the honour of Arjuna Awards. Earlier in June 2015, 19-year-old Satnam Singh Bhamara made history by becoming the first Indian national to be drafted by an NBA team, when he was selected by the Dallas Mavericks. More information at www.basketballfederationindia.org

UNESCAP South and South-West Asia SDGs Updates Jan 2017:

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– CONTENTS –

SSWA countries display commitment at COP22 Marrakech 2016

After the Paris Agreement entered into force on 4 November 2016, all South and South-West Asian (SSWA) countries attended the Marrakech Climate Change Conference, which included the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22), the 12th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP 12), and the 1st session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 1). The Conference was held in Morocco from 7-18 November.
The SSWA countries addressed the high-level segment of the Conference and reported on their actions in relation to greenhouse gas emissions, reaffirming their commitment to combat climate change and calling for other parties, in particular developed countries, to fulfill their commitments under the Agreement.
Below are a few excerpts from the statements by SSWA member States during the Conference:
  • Established National Committee for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement (NCIPA) to facilitate and coordinate the implementation of the Agreement and relevant issues. 
  • Submitted National Action plans in line with its ten-year development pathway which includes Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), Local NAM and Local National Action Plan (NAP), Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) Mechanisms, as well as Climate Governance Report.
  • The ratification process of the Paris Agreement depends mainly on the system of governance, which is expected to be completed in 2017.
  • Closely communicated with bilateral and multilateral partners to actively engage with its citizens, civil society, academic community, NGOs and international partners.
  • Set up ‘Climate Change Trust Fund’ of USD 400 million.
  • Achieved success in disaster risk management, including measures such as early warning system, cyclone shelters and river weeds cultivation.
  • Aiming to ensure safe drinking water and sanitation for all through effective water governance and a global fund on water-related SDG to support research, innovation and technology transfer.
  • Issue of climate-induced migrants remains to be addressed appropriately.
  • National Assembly is considering the ratification of the Paris Agreement at its winter session.
  • Technologies and resources to implement country-driven actions are crucial. Clear guidance for moving forward on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for mitigation action needed, along with identified communication channels to convey priorities and requirements for adaptation interventions.
  • As a small, landlocked and mountainous country, highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, Bhutan has identified adaptation priorities including mitigation measures in its NDCs. Support from the global community will be critical.
  • Undertaking ambitious adaptation and mitigation actions by increasing energy efficiency across sectors and making greater use of renewables. Achieved about 45 GW of grid connected renewable energy capacity, about ten-fold increase in over a decade. Airports are using solar energy and will move towards becoming carbon neutral. India is working on Greening of India’s extensive Railway routes and Highways.
  • Mobilizing domestic funds through various schemes including a cess of USD 6 per tonne on Coal. Set up a National Adaptation Fund to help states implement their action plans. Launched a citizen-centric scheme to provide free clean cooking gas connections to women below poverty line. Another scheme supports commercial adoption of energy-efficient LED bulbs.
  • Initiated the process for an Implementation plan for its NDCs in the post-2020 period.
  • Equal focus should be given to Pre-2020 actions by developed countries under Kyoto Protocol and that they provide effective finance, technology transfer and capacity-building support to developing countries.
  • Actions on ‘Climate Justice’ for the needs of most poor and vulnerable population are extremely important.
  • Parliament approved the ratification of the Paris Agreement and practical measures [on 12 Nov 2016] such as low-carbon economy strategy and major plans to change current agriculture patterns and irrigation methods to conserve water.
  • Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) and differentiation among commitments of developed countries in all fields of the Paris Agreement should be mainstreamed in all areas of action, assessments and follow-ups.
  • Climate change should be addressed in the context of the SDGs and poverty eradication while acknowledging the interlinkages amongst the SDGs. In this connection, sectoral measures are to be avoided due to their serious adverse impacts on the foreign trade capacities of developing countries, crippling their capacities to address various dimensions of climate change.
  • Must seize every opportunity to accelerate the transition to renewable, making the Facilitated Dialogue in 2018 more crucial than ever.
  • The promise of climate action will be out of reach unless the international community lives up to its commitment to fully mobilize at least USD 100 billion a year by 2020 as stated in Paris.
  • Pleased with the adoption of the draft decision on the Excom’s report to the COP for Loss and Damage, which sets the stage for a five-year work plan and further improvements under the CMA.
  • Implemented policy instruments, including Climate Change Policy and National Adaptation Programme of Action. Formed Climate Change Council at highest level, while implementing local adaptation plans at grassroot levels.
  • Formulating National Adaptation Plan in line with national policies and strategies. Prioritizes accessing and managing climate finance, upscaling renewable energy, building adaptive capacity and resilience and implementing mitigation actions to achieve the SDGs.
  • Making efforts to channel more than 80 percent of the climate finance to local level with a climate change budget code. Has started survey to document the impacts of climate change and locally appropriate adaptation strategies.
  • Concerned for the slow progress in the full implementation of the Convention at international level. Commitments pledged on various agenda such as easy access to finance, technology transfer and capacity building have not been fully met.
  • Adopted “Vision 2025” — a National Climate Change Policy — along with a framework for its implementation, as well as a National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy.
  • Introducing a historic Pakistan Climate Change Bill in Parliament, which will establish a high-level, policy-making Pakistan Climate Change Council and Pakistan Climate Change Authority, to prepare and supervise implementation of adaptation and mitigation projects in various sectors.
  • National Assembly passed a unanimous resolution adopting the SDGs Agenda as its own national development agenda.
  • Enacted a law to promote effective conservation and efficient use of energy.
  • Launched a Green Pakistan Programme to increase afforestation throughout the country.
  • Ratified the Paris Agreement [on 10 November 2016].
  • Pakistan would need up to USD 14 billion annually to adapt to climate change impacts. The availability of climate finance, technology development and transfer and capacity-building in the developing world must be ensured.
  • Formulated a National Climate Change Policy and a National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy. Set up a high-level coordination body to align its policies with its international commitments on environmental issues.
  • Held the portfolio of Environment to ensure commitment, action and guidance at the highest level of Government. Launched several climate-smart initiatives, including implementing sound sustainable energy development programmes and reduction of Greenhouse Gas emissions in five main sectors; energy, transport, industry, forest, and waste. Recently launched a project to conserve mangrove forests.
  • Technology transfer from the developed to developing countries and greater access to finance including from the Green Climate Fund are vital. Mitigation and adaptation financing and capacity building are essential and urgent.
  • Established a 2030 road map for combatting climate change. Set a target to 21 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from business as usual by 2030, planning to accomplish this target by realizing high quality infrastructure projects, utilizing clean technologies and obtaining energy efficiency.
  • Will increase electricity generation from solar energy to 10,000 MW by 2030 and wind power to a 16,000 MW capacity, and utilize all of its possible hydraulic capacity.
  • Has many investments in the transportation sector, carries out studies on prevention of air, water, marine pollution, leads in the world in waste management.
  • Struggling to combat climate change under difficult circumstances of refugees and counter-terrorism.

Relevant News from SSWA

1. SDG PRIORITIES AND CHALLENGES

BANGLADESH
Bangladesh Bank directs banks to form sustainable finance units
06 Dec – The central bank has asked financial institutions to create a sustainable finance unit, to help the country achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
TURKEY
Turkey’s top business association calls for cooperation to achieve sustainable development
07 Dec – Turkey’s largest business organization has called on all stakeholders to achieve SDGs in line with the United Nations’ 2030 agenda.
BANGLADESH 
Local government functionaries oriented with SDGs
11 Nov – Local government functionaries from selected Bangladesh districts have been oriented with the SDGs and its implications at the grassroots.
INDIA
Nationalist congress party promises to implement projects as per united nation goals
30 Dec -The Nationalist Congress Party’s manifesto for the upcoming polls has put emphasis on implementation of projects on the lines of United Nation’s 17 SDGs and Paris agreement to lure voters.
ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Progress in Reducing Malnutrition, Food Poverty
28 Dec – The malnutrition rate in Iran dropped to 3.2% by mid-2016 from 5.1% in 1990, and Iran’s score in the 2016 Global Hunger Index report is 6.7%, a 0.1% improvement over its previous score in 2015.
BANGLADESH
PM seeks to showcase Bangladesh as SDG 6 model
20 Nov – [Bangladeshi] Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Bangladesh to be showcased as an international model for SDG 6, involving clean water and sanitation, through adopting the appropriate strategy and action plan.
BANGLADESH
PM calls for addressing migrant issue for success of SDGs
16 Nov – [Bangladeshi] Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for global efforts to address the issue of climate-induced migrants to make the objectives of SDGs successful.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka considers streamlining trade and economic policies to align with SDGs 
06 Nov – Being a smaller economy, it is important for Sri Lanka to streamline its trade and economic policies aligning them with the SDGs, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen says.
MALDIVES
Minister: Every Maldivian considers education a priority
06 Nov – [Maldivian] Minister of Education, Dr. Aishath Shiham has remarked that every Maldivian placed extreme importance on education, celebrating the conclusion of her tour of every school in the country.

2. GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

BANGLADESH
Bangladesh leads South Asia in gender equity
26 Oct – Bangladesh leads South Asia in the gender equity, successful compared to its neighboring countries in closing the gender gap, a report says.
BANGLADESH
Controversial ‘child marriage’ bill goes to Parliament
08 Dec – The ‘Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2016’ will be sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Women and Children Affairs Ministry for a report.
AFGHANISTAN
Meshrano Jirga Approves Two Draft Laws
26 Dec – The Meshrano Jirga or Senate approved two draft laws including one preventing women’s and children’s harassment and the second governing military higher education institutes.
NEPAL
South Asian women leaders meet with focus on empowerment
20 Oct – Women entrepreneurs have called for policies that create an environment conducive for women to thrive both in politics and in the economy, at a regional conference aimed at enhancing leadership and economic empowerment of South Asian women.
TURKEY
International congress in Turkish capital delves into women’s problems, empowerment
16 Nov – The First International Women’s Congress in the capital of Ankara brings together academics and experts from around the world with a focus on women, their problems, gender rolesand empowerment.
AFGHANISTAN
EU-Afghanistan Conference: Women’s Empowerment High on the Agenda
06 Oct – The Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, co-hosted by the European Union and the Government of Afghanistan, was launched with an event focusing on regional economic cooperation and women empowerment in Afghanistan.
AFGHANISTAN
First ever conference held to empower women in agriculture
03 Dec – Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Livestock run the first ever press conference with the aim of boosting up women’s role in agriculture sector across the country.
IRAN
Iranian and Indonesian officials hold talks on women’s empowerment
07 Nov – Iranian Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi held talks with Indonesian Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Yohana Susana Yembise, expressed Iran’s readiness to exchange experiences on women’s entrepreneurship and knowledge-based economy.
PAKISTAN
Women empowerment key to prosperous society
08 Nov – [Pakistani] First Lady Begum Mamnoon Hussain said the participation of girls in sports activities is key to a healthier society and stressed the needs for greater efforts to enhance women’s empowerment and create a prosperous society.

3. REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY: TRADE, TRANSPORT AND ENERGY

BANGLADESH-BHUTAN-INDIA-NEPAL-SRI LANKA 
Goa Summit Could Be the Turning Point for BIMSTEC
02 Nov – The recently concluded eighth BRICS summit in Goa, India on October 15-16 saw a range of unprecedented outcomes and engagements.
BANGLADESH-BHUTAN-INDIA-NEPAL-SRI LANKA
Government pushes for trade pact among BIMSTEC nations
07 Nov – The [Indian] government is looking to engage more with Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) nations and has started pushing for a trade pact.
BANGLADESH-BHUTAN-INDIA-NEPAL
BBIN road connectivity plan in limbo
03 Dec – [Bhutanese] Parliament is expected to once again vote on the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement. The National Assembly is likely to submit it to His Majesty the King for Royal Command to deliberate the agreement in a joint sitting.
BHUTAN-INDIA
Indo-Bhutan trade pact receives support
01 Dec – The [Bhutanese] Assembly will endorse the agreement. Deliberating on the Indo-Bhutan Trade, Commerce and Transit Agreement in the National Assembly, parliamentarians hailed the good relations between the two neighbours.
BANGLADESH-INDIA
Bangladesh, India inland water transit meeting held
06 Dec – The 18th meeting of the Standing Committee on Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade between India and Bangladesh was held in Dhaka.
BANGLADESH-INDIA
Call for regional gas grid at Agartala energy conference
09 Nov – As a two-day international energy conference came to an end, Tripura governor Tathagata Roy brought up the need to have a common natural gas grid shared by the three neighbours India, Bangladesh and Myanmar to ensure energy security in the region.
AFGHANISTAN-INDIA
PM stresses on connectivity to Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Central Asia
17 Dec – [Indian] Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need to develop the existing port and transport infrastructure and connectivity through road and rail network to Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Central Asia.
MALDIVES-SRI LANKA
Maldives, Sri Lanka discuss strengthening bilateral relations
02 Dec – [Sri Lankan] Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera held discussions with Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two Ministers discussed ways and means of strengthening bilateral relations, including economic and trade links.
BANGLADESH-INDIA
Trading with India ’10 times more cost-effective by water than road’
02 Nov – Enhancing connectivity through joint rivers is needed to increase trade, economy and tourism in and between the two neighbours, said speakers at an India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
AFGHANISTAN-INDIA
Counter-terror framework, regional connectivity dominate Heart of Asia
03 Dec -Finalising a counter-terror framework, ways to bring lasting peace to Afghanistan and boosting regional connectivity for the war-ravaged country’s economic growth were some of the major focus areas during first day’s deliberations at the Heart of Asia conference, being attended by major regional and global powers.
PAKISTAN-SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka keen to promote trade with Pakistan – envoy
13 Dec – Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan Major General (retd) Jayanath Lokuketagodage said his country is keen to promote trade with Pakistan as enhanced trade would help in improving living standards of the people of both countries.
IRAN-PAKISTAN
Pakistan Iran negotiating enhanced connectivity and banking channels, says Asif Khan Durrani
21 Dec – Enhanced connectivity and banking channels between Pakistan and Iran are imperative to fully exploit the post-sanction opportunities and in this connection negotiation are in advance stage and positive news is expected within a month, said Asif Khan Durrani Pakistani Ambassador in Tehran.

4. MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION

 INDIA-SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka to sign MoU with India to receive financial support to construct rainwater harvesting tanks in Jaffna
20 Dec – Sri Lanka will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with India to receive financial assistance to construct 3,000 rainwater harvesting units in the North.
BANGLADESH
ADB hikes financing for Bangladesh by 60%
02 Nov: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has increased financing for Bangladesh by 60 percent to USD8 billion for 2016-2020 in order to help the country get over infrastructure constraints and improve human skills.
NEPAL
WB-ADB mission to discuss USD1b loan to energy sector
11 Nov – A joint mission of WB and ADB is expected to hold talks with Nepali officials next week for a planned USD1 billion loan to the energy sector.
AFGHANISTAN
ADB grants USD 415 million funding to help boost Afghanistan’s energy sector
07 Dec – ADB has granted USD415 million in financing to help strengthen Afghanistan’s cross-border energy trade while ensuring energy security.
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh gets USD360 million WB credit to improve waterway connectivity
22 Dec – Bangladesh received USD360 million through financing agreement with the World Bank (WB) to improve the navigability of 900km inland waterways along the Chittagong-Dhaka-Ashuganj Corridor and connecting routes.
PAKISTAN
ADB approves USD200m loan for Pakistan’s disaster risk management
25 Nov – ADB approved a USD 200 million loan to strengthen Pakistan’s disaster risk management to reduce the country’s vulnerability to disasters from natural hazards, and climate variability and change.
BANGLADESH
USD167 million ADB loan for gas sector: Deal Wednesday
25 Dec – The Bangladesh government will sign with ADB USD167 million loan agreement for financing a project to improve infrastructure and operational efficiency of the country’s gas sector.
SRI LANKA
ADB grants USD 115 million financial assistance to fully electrify Sri Lanka
19 Dec – ADB has granted Sri Lanka USD115 million of financial assistance for the implementation of Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project to fully electrify the island including its small isolated islands.
NEPAL
ADB Loan to Help Government Improve Nepal’s Education Standards
02 Nov – A USD120 million loan and a USD500,000 grant to help improve access and quality of secondary education in Nepal.
AFGHANISTAN
EU, ADB Pledge USD76m in Aid for Afghan Agriculture
03 Nov: The European Union and ADB would provide Afghanistan USD76 million in aid until 2022 for agriculture development under an agreement signed recently.
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Election FUNDING Must But For UPSC Qualified Professionals


December18, 2016 (C) Ravinder Singh progressindia2015@gmail.com
‘Public Funding of Elections or Parties’ is in news to minimize Black Money use in Elections which in turn is stated to reduce corruption in government functioning.

But the real cause of ‘Corruption’ is Corrupt & Dubious people getting ‘Elected on Symbols of political Parties’ whereas both Candidate and Leadership of the party are Grossly Incompetent and Dishonest & Liars who By & Large don’t observe established Rules & Procedures – have no moral or ethics.

Demonetization was not in Manifesto of Any Political Party yet Innocent Majority subjected to Extreme Financial Hardship – Wealth of Indians is $3,099b but Cash released for Economic Activity is barely $2b per day or less than $75b in 40 days after Demonetization.

‘REGISTRATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES ITSELF IS CORRUPT’ – Objectives of All Political Parties is identical – ‘Build Strong and Prosperous Nation’ but there is no Qualification & Experience requirement for any Party Position and for Cabinet Ministers.

‘Guarantees to all citizens irrespective of caste, creed or sex, Political, Social & EconomicJustice, Equality of Opportunity and Liberty of Faith and Expression’ but not practiced.

State can’t be funding and supporting Lunatics & Incompetent and Corrupt to get elected. When for Job of Drain Cleaners in UP over half a million had applied and are subject to ‘Practical Test’ – Only the most deserving & competent should be eligible for Funding of Elections.

Ø    India’s Law Makers must be Subjected to ‘UPSC Test’ or Must Have Secured
50% Marks in UPSC tests in Past.

Ø    A Candidate must be registered with Election Commission for 12 months for
state elections and 18 months for Parliament – National Elections.

Ø    ‘Licensed to Contest An Election Every 5 Year.’ [This is to stop Losers from
returning via Rajya Sabha/Enter State Assembly or Made Governor.]

Ø    A Candidate Should provide DETAILED Bio-data to EC for Public Reference.

Ø    Tenure Limit of Elected Positions should be prescribed – 10 Yrs at National,
10 Yrs at State Level and 10 Yrs at District Level.

Ø    Registered Parties to have received Rs.50 Cr as Political Donations in a year
should not get its Candidate Political Funding.

Ø    Candidates reporting Rs.5m Income will not be Eligible for Political Funding.

Ø    All Ministers, Governors, Constitutional Positions, Secretaries and Generals
appointments should Subjected to Parliamentary Panel Scrutiny & ‘Testify Their Annual Report’ – i.e. Chairman of CEA or CWC to ‘TESTIFY’ before Parliament their annual achievements & future programs.
Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS
Y-77, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016, India. Ph; 091- 9871056471,
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